Everything is so expensive these days. It seems almost more cost effective in this economy to buy processed foods or fast food than to make the healthier choices and shop at local farmer’s markets or co-ops.
In a nutshell, this is the main cause of obesity in our country. No one can afford to feed their kids healthy food without ending up homeless. That and the fact that portion sizes in the United States are for Paul Bunyon.
So, it’s up to us, the consumers (parents) to say no more. We need to make the hard choices, buy the healthy food, stop eating out and eat at home. The message will be heard loud and clear. We are demanding a healthier world for our children.
In the meantime, I am going to start researching low budget, family friendly dinner recipes. I found this recipe in an old copy of Better Homes and Gardens. It is delicious and only $3.00 per serving. That’s cheaper than any happy meal.
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons of olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine or cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Mediterranean seasoning blend or spaghetti seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 3 cups torn day-old garlic focaccia or Italian bread
- 2 cups shredded deli-roasted chicken (12 ounces)
- ¾ cup of pitted olives
- 3 romaine hearts, cored and coarsely chopped
Directions
- In small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of olive oil, vinegar, seasoning blend and sugar; set aside to use as dressing.
- In a 12-inch skillet heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add bread. Cook and stir 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from skillet. Add dressing, chicken, and olives to skillet; cook and stir 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through. Return bread to skillet; toss to coat.
- Arrange lettuce on 4 plates; top with chicken mixture. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.
What’s your favorite healthy family-friendly recipe on a budget?
Photo Source: Jules Stonesoup
